September gives Catholics two beautiful opportunities to contemplate the Blessed Virgin Mary and the extraordinary role she holds in the story of our salvation.
Only one week apart, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary on September 8 and the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows on September 15.
One celebrates Mary’s birth.
The other remembers her sorrows.
Together, they remind us of a life given completely to God.
September 8 — The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Birthdays are occasions of joy, and the Church rejoices as she celebrates the birth of Mary—the woman whom God chose to become the Mother of His Son.
The Gospel for the feast directs our attention toward Jesus Christ. Matthew recounts His genealogy and the circumstances surrounding His birth, concluding with the fulfillment of the prophecy of Emmanuel—“God is with us.”
Mary’s life cannot be separated from her Son. Her vocation and her holiness always point toward Christ.
From her willing response to God’s call to her faithfulness throughout Jesus’ earthly life, Mary provides us with a beautiful example of trust in God’s will.
Her life encourages us to ask ourselves:
Where is God asking me to trust Him more completely?
Where is He inviting me to say yes?
How can my own life point others toward Christ?
On September 8, we give thanks to God for the gift of the Blessed Mother and ask for the grace to imitate her humility, trust, and faithfulness.
September 15 — Our Lady of Sorrows
Only seven days later, the Church turns from the joy of Mary’s birth to contemplation of her sorrows.
The Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows recalls the suffering Mary experienced because of her profound union with Jesus and His mission.
The Gospel selections for the memorial bring us to two particularly moving moments.
In Luke’s Gospel, Simeon speaks to Mary about the destiny of her Son and tells her that sorrow will touch her own heart.
In John’s Gospel, we encounter Mary years later, standing faithfully near the Cross as Jesus gives His life for the world.
The young mother who trusted God at the beginning remained faithful to Him at Calvary.
Mary Leads Us to Jesus
These two September observances reveal something beautiful about Christian discipleship.
Faith does not promise a life without sorrow.
Instead, faith teaches us where to turn when sorrow comes.
Mary knew joy and grief, hope and uncertainty. Through all of it, she remained close to Jesus.
That is her invitation to us.
When life is joyful, remain close to Christ.
When life is uncertain, remain close to Christ.
When we are called to serve, remain close to Christ.
And when our hearts are hurting, remain close to Christ.
As Lady Knights, may we look to Mary’s example as we begin another year together. May her faith inspire our own, may her compassion shape the way we care for others, and may her maternal intercession accompany all those who are suffering.
Blessed Mother, lead us always closer to your Son.
Our Lady of Sorrows, pray for us.